Known as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige has continuously released No. 1 singles and albums since her debut in 1992. With the latest release of her smash album titled “The Breakthrough,” it seems she is still at the top of her game.

“The Breakthrough” contains the No. 1 hit single “Be Without You,” which has been at the top of the charts since its December release and has allowed Blige to sell more than 700,000 copies of her album in just her first week.

Platinum status? I think so.

When I first listened to “The Breakthrough,” I was expecting to hear her usual soulful ballads because that is what she’s known for.

However, with this album, Blige combined soulful R’B with rock, acoustic and jazz melodies which is a “breakthrough” in itself.

When Blige appeared on MTV after her album had just been released, she revealed that the album is titled “The Breakthrough” for more reasons than one. The main reason being that she has finally realized all men and relationships aren’t the same. She is no longer the victim of abuse. She doesn’t have a man that is lying, cheating or beating on her.

Throughout her career, most of her songs have been about being hurt and crying over men who were not worth the time or attention. Blige said she has finally broken out of that and is truly happy.

The first song she released in 1992 was titled “Real Love,” and the lyrics are straightforward: “I’m searching for a real love, someone to set my heart free.” Seven albums and nearly 14 years later, she has found that real love, and doesn’t mind singing about it.

Another one of my favorites on the album is called “One” featuring U2. At first I was in shock because this wasn’t a typical Blige record, but after playing it a couple times, the meaning and melody of the song had me hooked.

Blige also gave reasons in her MTV interview about why she chose to branch out and try different things with this album stating: “This is my breakthrough. This album is about me finding out who I am mentally, spiritually, vocally, and artistically. I think with this album, my fans will see more of me and my own creativity than before. I’ve reached a place in my career where I want to try new things and give my fans the new me. I am truly blessed and I want it to show.”

“The Breakthrough” lives up to every word she spoke in that interview. It’s more than a self-revelation about life, love and relationships, but her growth as an artist as well. Like me and the millions of other fans who love Blige, we know exactly what she’s trying to say.

Cheers to you, Mary J. Blige. “The Breakthrough,” simply put, is a masterpiece. After you put the melody with the passionate lyrics and soul in Blige’s voice, you might have some “breakthroughs” of your own.